Sheryl Derby, LCSW - Therapist in Arizona

About Sheryl

Sheryl Derby, LCSW, brings over two decades of social work experience to parents and families seeking support. She earned an undergraduate degree in psychology with a minor in family studies and a Master of Social Work with a child welfare emphasis from Arizona State University.

Sheryl has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for many years and has provided clinical supervision as part of her practice. She has worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families in a range of settings.

Background and approach

Her experience includes helping people manage depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship and parenting challenges. She has also supported veterans, families involved with child welfare, juveniles in the court system, and homeless families. Sheryl’s approach mixes evidence-based tools with practical strengths-based work.

She often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy along with client-centered listening and solution-focused steps. The goal is to find coping skills that fit each person’s life and build on what already works. Sessions tend to be straightforward and focused on real changes parents and family members can try between meetings.

She helps identify strengths, set manageable goals, and practice new communication or emotion-regulation techniques. Sheryl also draws on mindfulness and motivational interviewing to support motivation and day-to-day coping. Outside of clinical work she cares for basset hounds, practices yoga, and volunteers with geriatric and hospice animals.

That same practical, down-to-earth style shows up in her therapy work, where she aims to support, guide, and empower families.

Using practical approaches in online family and parenting work

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and understanding each person’s perspective. The therapist reflects concerns, validates feelings, and helps families decide what matters most so they can set useful goals. This approach is helpful when parents want a compassionate space to sort out priorities.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, teaches concrete tools to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It often involves short exercises and homework to practice new ways of coping with anxiety, mood changes, sleep problems, or parenting stress. CBT is useful when people want structured steps and measurable progress.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, adds skills for managing intense emotions and improving communication. It includes techniques for distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and clearer interactions within families. DBT can be especially helpful when strong reactions or frequent conflict make daily life harder.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work together. The therapist collaborates with each person or family to match methods to their needs, goals, and preferences. That means trying tools, adjusting what doesn’t fit, and keeping what helps.

Online sessions offer flexibility for busy families. Video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging let parents and caregivers connect from home, during breaks, or while traveling. These options make it easier to keep therapy consistent and to practice new skills in real-life settings when they matter most.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Concrete skills for riding out strong emotion, tolerating distress, and handling relationships without things escalating. The skills are practised in daily life, so between-session support by message or phone fits naturally.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns can be addressed in sessions?

Sheryl works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, parenting challenges, family and relationship problems, grief, sleep difficulties, anger, bipolar symptoms, ADHD, and coping with life changes.

What is her therapy style like?

Her style is practical and collaborative. She combines client-centered listening with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing to build skills people can use day to day.

How long has she practiced?

She has 22 years of social work experience and many years as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker offering clinical supervision.

Where is she based and what are her credentials?

She is licensed in Arizona as an LCSW, listed as AZ LCSW LCSW-10895.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can people outside the country work with her?

She does not accept international clients at this time.

What session formats are available?

Sessions can take place via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on client preference.

How are fees and getting started handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability and uses a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, select the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 22 years
Licensed: Arizona
Languages: English

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